Frances Ann (Clause) Harriman, lovingly known as Fran, Mom, Mawmaw, Aunt Tony, Aunt Frances, and Mrs. Clause, passed away peacefully at home in San Antonio, Texas, on May 31, 2026, at the age of 81, surrounded by loved ones, her faithful dog Sugar, and wrapped in prayer and love.
Fran was born on September 26, 1944, in Orange, Texas, at Frances Ann Lutcher Hospital, a detail she always found special and fitting.
She is survived by her daughters, Kristine Lause and Kerri Saulmon; her cherished grandchildren, Keliann, Kyle, Kenzi, Kevin, Leo, and Ozzie; and her great-grandchildren, Maddox, Mason, and Nellie Bleu. She also leaves behind her longtime companion, Larry Turner, along with many extended family members and friends who loved her deeply.
Fran now reunites with her late husband Dan, affectionately known to many as “Santa Dan,” whose memory remained close to her heart.
Fran was kind-hearted, deeply giving, and always tried to make others feel loved and special. She had a generous spirit and a tender heart, often giving more of herself than she should because caring for others simply came naturally to her.
She was an incredible cook, famous among family and friends for making the best gumbo and potato salad around. She loved creativity in all forms — writing stories, coloring, beading, painting, and beginning new craft projects with excitement and imagination, even if she didn’t always finish them. That was part of her charm.
One of Fran’s greatest joys was wandering slowly through the aisles of any store, admiring beautiful things and dreaming. She found wonder in simple moments and beauty in everyday life. Flowers and birds held a particularly special place in her heart, and she appreciated the peace, color, and magic they brought into the world.
Fran was also lovingly known for running on her own schedule. She was late to almost everything and seemed to live in her own little time zone, always moving at her own pace — something those who loved her will smile about forever.
Although she did not always make it to Sunday services — they were often “much too early,” as she would jokingly say — her Catholic faith remained strong throughout her life. The Rosary was especially meaningful to her and brought her great comfort throughout her life. In her final moments, surrounded by love, prayers from the Rosary were spoken beside her, offering a peaceful and familiar blessing as she made her journey home.
Despite facing many health challenges throughout her life, including narcolepsy, cataplexy, severe high blood pressure, and kidney failure, Fran continued to carry herself with resilience, humor, and heart. She did her best to remain positive and to bring kindness into the lives of others.
She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for her warmth, creativity, tenderness, humor, and the unique and gentle way she moved through the world.
The family asks that, in honor of Fran, you take a moment to notice the beauty around you — the flowers, the birds, and the simple joys that make life meaningful.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fran’s memory to organizations dedicated to narcolepsy and cataplexy awareness, research, and support, such as Wake Up Narcolepsy or Narcolepsy Network, and/or to nonprofit organizations that support women affected by domestic violence.
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